Aflion Carrot vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches. The Carrot switch is known for its fun and unique tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring that offers a bouncy feel. Additionally, it has a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, adding to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a medium tactile feel, providing a satisfying level of resistance when pressed. These switches are designed to be as quiet as possible, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. While the Carrot switch offers a more bouncy and clacky feel, the Silent Bluish White switch focuses on a precise and comfortable typing experience while being extremely quiet. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and TTC Silent Bluish White switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This material choice creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. Due to polycarbonate's translucency, it is especially beneficial for those who plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows the lighting effects to shine through. As a result, users can expect similar sound and lighting experiences from both the Carrot and Silent Bluish White switches.
However, when it comes to their bottom housings, the Carrot employs nylon while the Silent Bluish White also utilizes nylon. Typing on both switches that incorporate nylon housings will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. Therefore, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality from both the Carrot and Silent Bluish White switches.
It is important to note that the properties of the top and bottom housing materials will influence different aspects of the switch. When pressing down on either switch, the bottom housing, which is responsible for the bottom-out sound and feel, will have a significant impact. Whereas, the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches, will play a greater role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Thus, while the overall sound experience may be similar in terms of sharpness and resonance, the bottom and top housing materials will affect different aspects of the switch's sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch, it becomes evident that both switches fall into the lighter force category. The Aflion Carrot has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 42 grams. Similarly, the Carrot has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Bluish White's 50 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light and comfortable typing experience, making them suitable for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. Although there is a slight difference in force, the results achieved with either switch would be quite similar, especially for those who prefer a lighter touch. Overall, when considering weight as an important factor, both the Aflion Carrot and the TTC Silent Bluish White switches offer an enjoyable typing experience without feeling overly heavy.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. 4.0mm is the more traditional and commonly used travel distance, providing a sense of depth and a slightly longer press when compared to the 3.5 mm in the Silent Bluish White switch. Gamers and those seeking faster response times tend to prefer shorter travel distances, such as the one offered by the Silent Bluish White switch. This allows for quicker key presses and a more responsive gaming experience. However, some individuals may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and may prefer the 4 mm travel distance of the Aflion Carrot switch for a more satisfying and substantial feel when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and the desired typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Carrot has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Carrot for $3.57.
The TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $4.63.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Aflion Carrot and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches offer different experiences. The Carrot switch is best known for its mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which can be described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched. This means it produces a sharp, snappy, crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch is described as muted, producing a softer and quieter sound compared to a regular or clacky switch. It aims to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also vary depending on factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Aflion Carrot and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches also offer different experiences. The Carrot switch is known for its bouncy, snappy, stepped, feathery, and subtle feel. It provides a uniquely bouncy tactile experience due to its long, two-stage spring. This switch offers a lively feel with rebound when pressed and is exceptionally light to press, reducing finger fatigue. The Silent Bluish White switch, on the other hand, is described as buttery, mild, stepped, subtle, and polished. It offers a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. The mild feel is gentle and approachable, suitable for most users. The switch also has a polished finish, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Taking all the available information into account, the Aflion Carrot and TTC Silent Bluish White tactile switches have distinct subjective qualities. The Carrot switch offers a fun and bouncy tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It is suitable for those who enjoy a more lively and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White switch offers a satisfying level of resistance, making it precise and comfortable to type on. It is designed to be as quiet as possible, making it ideal for office or shared living space use. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of the user. However, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a medium tactile feel, both switches can provide similar results in that aspect.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a light bottom out force, the Aflion Carrot is a great choice. Its long, two-stage spring provides a uniquely lively tactile experience, and the mid-pitched and firm sound profile adds to the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly higher resistance and a quieter typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White is the way to go. These switches offer a satisfying level of resistance without being too loud, making them perfect for office or shared living space use. Additionally, the Silent Bluish Whites have a smooth and polished finish, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preference for bounciness and sound profile versus resistance and quietness, but both options offer their own unique benefits.
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